<>Here is a reason to say CHEERS in Columbus, Ohio...the Columbus Microbrew Festival is held in September. >

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The capitol city, with a history of brewing beer, is becoming a top city for craft breweries and microbrew start ups. In the 1830's German brew masters came to the area making it well-known for its beer. Today the artisan breweries have caused a resurgence of the craft and created the festival. The event takes place at the North Market. Some of these breweries have been around for years, but new ones are just beginning. Brew masters share a passion for quality and each has a passion and a story about their love for hops, barley and wheat. The craft been seen is hopping right. Here are a few crafters in the city:North High Brewing...brewsall of its beer on site and allows travelers to create their own, personalized blends. North High’s expert brewers walk brewers-in-training through the process, helping ensure delicious results. Co-founders Gavin Meyers and Tim Ward cater to both novice and experienced home brewers and beer aficionados. It is here that even the beginner can receive training from on site brew master, Charlie Davis and seasoned brewers can create beers on their own. Guest walk away with a keg of beer they created -- the perfect memento of their Columbus beer experience. North High also offers on-site beer, a few pub snacks, home brewing supplies and special event space for rent. NorthHighBrewing.com <>>

<> >Rockmill Breweryhas a secret to its brew. Brew master Matthew Barbee uses water from a private well located on the 100-year-old horse farm the brewery calls home. Barbee discovered the water running through his land had the mineral content of Walonia Belgium. He knew the property was perfect for brewing Belgian farmhouse-style ales. He has developed a wonderful Saison, Whitbier, Dubbel and Trippel. The resulting beer is gaining rave reviews nationally. Brewery tours and tasting room hours are offered weekends (Fri.-Sun.), noon-8 p.m. or by appointment. RockmillBrewery.com<>>

<> >Columbus Brewing Company is well-known as a microbrewery and also offers a full-service restaurant. They rotate craft beers, from lagers and India Pale Ales to Scottish blends. If a visitor is unsure which beer to try, that’s not problem...the Columbus Brewing Company Tasting Flight gives a sample of all of its brews. The microbrewery also offers half gallon growlers to take home. ColumbusBrewingCo.com <>>

Elevator Brewing Company has won multiple awards for its beers, crafting nine distinct brews year round, plus a special seasonal beer each month. Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus located in a historic building is open daily and has a full restaurant menu with outstanding steaks and all of the Elevator brews. A large off-site brewing factory offers a tap room and tours that highlight local brewing history, the brewing process of the crafted Elevator beer and a complimentary sample at the tour's end. Elevator Tap Room is open Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment. ElevatorBrewing.com <>>

<> >Barley's BrewingCompany was an early pioneer returning to the Columbus brewing scene. It began tapping its own brew more than 20 years ago. Barley’s serves its perfectly hand-crafted, award-winning ale at two locations. Its specialty is crafting unique ales, a process mastered by using ingredients from around the globe, like its Blood Thirst Wheat, which takes its tang from the zest of Sicilian blood oranges. Along with their honored brew, Barley’s serves up a deliciously complementary menu, making it a one-stop destination for anyone looking for great pub food and impressive local beer. BarleysBrewing.com <>>